Statement of Reasons to Recall Doug Morten

from the petition:

STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR DEMANDING THE RECALL OF ST. HELENS CITY COUNCILOR DOUGLAS MORTEN

The citizens of St. Helens petition to recall Councilor DOUGLAS MORTEN who, for reasons of FISCAL IRRESPONSIBILITY and ABUSE OF POWER, does not represent the best interests of the City and his constituents.

Specifically, DOUGLAS MORTEN

1. approved the City's FY2009 budget which could deplete the $1.6 million contingency fund and lead the City to bankruptcy by June 2010, against recommendations of the Budget Review Committee and City Finance Director;
2. approved a Councilor pay increase of 800% as an incentive to do a good job (because, "If you want a good product, you've got to pay us."), potentially costing taxpayers more than $75,000 annually in Councilor compensation;
3. voted to give Councilors expanded powers, changing the City Charter, against the recommendation of the City's Charter Review Committee and without a vote of the people; and
4. repeatedly ignores recommendations of the Parks Commission and City staff, in pursuit of his own agenda.

THE CITY OF ST. HELENS AND HER CITIZENS EXPECT MORE AND DESERVE BETTER.